SER President’s Message – June 2026

Wendy Nembhard

SER President’s Message

June 2026

I began writing this, my final President’s Corner article, several times—drafting, revising, and starting over more than I can count. I would write a few lines, delete them, and start again. I probably did that five or six times. There is so much I want to say, and yet finding the right words has not been easy. So here it is—maybe not perfect, but heartfelt.

Our society, SER, is important. Its work extends beyond us and will shape future generations of epidemiologists. What we do in our respective institutions matters—not only in the present moment, but in its lasting impact on public health in the US and around the world.

We often hear about the well-known names in our field, the ones highlighted in textbooks and on university walls. But we rarely hear about the many epidemiologists who quietly show up every day and do their work. They are the ones who prevent problems before they start, who keep situations from getting worse, and who help ensure that good outcomes continue. They may never make headlines or receive awards, but their contributions are no less meaningful. Clean drinking water, the absence of outbreaks, lives not lost—these are the results of their efforts.

This work can be exhausting, frustrating, and at times thankless. Unlike other professions, we rarely see direct expressions of gratitude. There are no public celebrations for the accidents that never happened or the illnesses that were prevented. And yet, we continue to show up and do what needs to be done.

The past year has been especially difficult. For some, it has been deeply painful, marked by job or funding loss and uncertainty. As we approached last year’s annual meeting in Boston, many faced furloughs, policy shifts, and uncertainty. It was a difficult time. And yet, we are still here. We are continuing to do meaningful research, to teach and mentor our trainees, and to make a difference in our communities. The future is brighter because of that continued commitment.

As we look ahead to the 2026 annual meeting in Phoenix, we are reminded of the importance of coming together. It is an opportunity to support one another, to celebrate achievements, and to thoughtfully challenge our methods, assumptions, and approaches. The meeting will also create space for open discussion of both areas of agreement and disagreement in our colleagues’ work. This kind of exchange is a core strength of SER—one we must actively preserve and embrace. Respectful, public discourse, especially in areas of disagreement, is more important now than ever. As Sandro Galea noted in his blog, The Healthiest Goldfish on April 25, 2026 entitled “On finding the discipline to engage,” we must approach this responsibility with both courage and intention. If you have not had a chance to read it, I strongly encourage you to do so.

As my term as SER President comes to a close, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside the Officers and Executive Committee. It has truly been a pleasure to serve as your President this past year and I am honored to have done so. I hope to see you in Phoenix, where I look forward to encouraging you—as colleagues and as a community—to continue this important work. It is what we do, and it is what we must do, because it truly matters.